A historic 18th century mill in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, is set to be redeveloped after a design team led by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios was appointed to draw up plans for the site's future.

The team, which will also comprise structural engineers Adams Kara Taylor and landscape architects Grant Associates, has been appointed to examine sustainable solutions for the 212-year-old Ditherington Flax Mills. A partnership between English Heritage - which acquired the mill in 2005 - and representatives from the Ditherington Flax Mills Steering Group is now seeking a development partner to turn plans into reality.

Chris Smith, English Heritage planning and development director for the west territory, said: "Over the next twelve months the Design Team will work to define the future use of these internationally important buildings, and provide for them a third century of productive use. This new life will also provide the catalyst to the wider regeneration of the area." The mill, which is regarded as the ancestor of the modern skyscraper, was used as a flax mill for 100 years before converting to a maltings in 1887. In 1987, it closed and has remained empty since.

Image: English Heritage